New silvicultural approaches for multipurpose management in beech forests

Authors

  • Francesco Pelleri Council for Agricultural Research and Economics Research Centre for Forestry and Wood
  • Claudia Becagli Council for Agricultural Research and Economics - Research Centre for Agriculture and Environment
  • Dalila Sansone Council for Agricultural Research and Economics Research Centre for Forestry and Wood
  • Elisa Bianchetto Council for Agricultural Research and Economics - Research Centre for Agriculture and Environment
  • Claudio Bidini Council for Agricultural Research and Economics Research Centre for Forestry and Wood
  • Maria Chiara Manetti Council for Agricultural Research and Economics Research Centre for Forestry and Wood

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15287/afr.2021.2226

Keywords:

beech, thinning, crop trees, silviculture, traditional silviculture, tree-oriented silviculture

Abstract

Traditional thinning and stand silviculture had positive effects on tree stability, stand efficiency and tree growth if compared to the lack of management. Nevertheless, the tree oriented silviculture has proven to be a type of management best meets the multifunctionality pourpouses required by forests today. In Italy beech high forests are generally managed with traditional thinning from below ascribable to stand silviculture; in the last decades tree oriented silviculture, an innovative management system is spreading in Europe. The aim of the study is to compare two thinning types applied in two localities of central Italy, in beech stands deriving from shelterwood system, aged 45-50 years: stand silviculture (SS), tree-silviculure (TS) and control (C). All trees were periodically measured in order to assess growth, mortality and production from 2008 onwards. Crop trees DBH, selected for each silvicultural approach, was annually measured while, an evaluation of the stem quality, crown development and stability were carried out between the 1st and last thinnings. Differences in vertical and horizontal diversity stand structures were assessed. Results pointed out similar growth rate at stand level; while a superior growth in diameter, in dimension of the crown and stability of the crop trees were observed in TS. The TS has proven to be the management option that best meets the multifunctionality required by forests today.

References

Armand G. (Coord.), 2002. Le hêtre autrement. Institut pour le Dèveloppement Forestier, Paris, 262 p.Arnič D., Krč J., Diaci J., 2021. Modeling of time consumption for selective and situational precommercial thinning in mountain beech forest stands. iForest 14: 137-143. https://doi.org/10.3832/ifor3556-014 Bastien Y., 1997. Pour l’éducation de Hêtre en fustaie claire et mélangée. Revue Forestière Française 49 (1): 49-68.Bastien Y., Hein S., Chavanne A., 2005. Sylviculture du hêtre: contraintes, enjeux, orientation de gestion. Revue Forestière Française 2: 111-122. https://doi.org/10.4267/2042/5030Bastien Y., Wilhelm G.J., 2000. Une sylviculture d’arbres pour produire des gros bois de qualité. Revue Forestière Française 5: 407-424. https://doi.org/10.4267/2042/5376Becagli C., Puletti N., Chiavetta U., Cantiani P., Salvati L., Fabbio G., 2016. Early impact of alternative thinning approaches on structure diversity and complexity at stand level in two beech forests in Italy. Annals of Selvicultural Research 37 (1): 55-63. http://dx.doi.org/10.12899/asr-802Bončìna A., Kadunc A., Robic D., 2007. Effects of selective thinning on growth and development of beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) forest stands in south-eastern Slovenia. Annals of Forest Science 64: 47–57. https://doi.org/10.1051/forest:2006087Brang P., Spathelf P., Bo Larsen J., Bauhus J., Bončìna A., Chauvin C., Drőssler L., Garcìa-Gűemes C., Heiri C., Kerr G., Lexer MJ., Mason B., Mohren F., Műhlethaler U., Nocentini S., Svoboda M., 2014. Suitability of close-to-nature silviculture for adapting temperate European forests to climate change. Forestry 87: 492–503. http:// doi.org/10.1093/forestry/cpu018Brunet J., Fritz Ö., Richnau G., 2010. Biodiversity in European beech forests – a review with recommendations for sustainable forest management. Ecological Bulletins 53: 77-94.Ciancio O., Corona P., Lamonaca A., Portoghesi L., Travaglini D., 2006. Conversion of clearcut beech coppices into high forests with continuous cover: a case study in central Italy. Forest Ecology and Management 224: 235-240. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2005.12.045Chapman R.A., Heitzman E., Shelton M.G., 2006. Long-term changes in forest structure and species composition of an upland oak forest in Arkansas. Forest Ecology and Management 236 (1): 85-92. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2006.08.341Coppini M., Hermanin L., 2007. Restoration of selective beech coppices: A case study in the Apennines (Italy). Forest Ecology and Management 249: 18–27. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2007.04.035Cullotta S., La Placa G., Maetzke F.G., 2016. Effects of traditional coppice practices and microsite conditions on tree health in a European beech forest at its southernmost range. iForest 9: 673-681. https://doi.org/10.3832/ifor1603-008De Potter B., Perin J., Claessen H., 2012. Détourage d’abres-objectif: Enseignements des dispositifs istallés en Walloine après six annes. Forêt Wallonne 119: 43-54.De Saint-Vaulry M., 1969. A la recherche d’une autre silviculture: l’individualisation précoce des arbres d’avenir. Revue Forestière Française XXI(2): 83-100.Ducellier U., 1930. La Forêt de Bellȏme et une nouvelle méthode d’enclaircie. Revue des Eaux et des Forêts 68 (4): 263-278.Franklin J.F., Spies T.A., Van Pelt R., Carey A.B., Thornburgh D.A., Berg D.R., Lindenmayer D.B., Harmon M.E., Keeton W.S., Shaw D.C., Bible K., Chen J., 2002. Disturbances and structural development of natural forest ecosystems with silvicultural implications, using Douglas-Fir forests as an example. Forest Ecology and Management 155: 399–423. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0378-1127(01)00575-8Hahn K., Fanta J., 2001. Contemporary beech forest management in Europe. University of Copenhagen. NAT-MAN Working Report 1.Jobling J., Pearce M.L., 1977. Free growth of oak. Forestry Commission Forest Record No 113. HMSO, London, 16 p.Kerr G., Haufe J., 2011. Thinning practice. A silvicultural guide. Edinburgh: Forestry Commission, 54 p.Lemaire J., 2010. Le chêne autrement: Produire du chêne de qualité en moins de 100 ans en futaie régulière. Guide technique. Institut pour le Développement Forestier: Centre National de la Propriété Forestière, Paris.Löf M., Brunet J., Filyushkina A., Lindbladh M., Skovsgaard J.P., Felton A., 2015. Management of oak forests: striking a balance between timber production, biodiversity and cultural services. International Journal of Biodiversity Science Ecosystem Services & Management 12: 59–73. https://doi.org/10.1080/21513732.2015.1120780Manetti MC., Becagli C., Sansone D., Pelleri F., 2016. Single tree-oriented silviculture: a new approach for coppice stands. iForest 9: 791-800. https://doi.org/10.3832/ifor1827-009Manetti MC., Becagli C., Bertini G., Cantiani P., Marchi M., Pelleri F., Sansone D., Fabbio G. 2020. The conversion into high forest of Turkey oak coppice stands: methods, silviculture and perspectives. iForest 13: 309-317. https://doi.org/10.3832/ifor3483-013Marchi M., Paletto A., Cantiani P., Bianchetto E., De Meo I., 2018. Comparing thinning system effects on ecosystem services provision in artificial black pine (Pinus nigra J. F. Arnold) forests. Forests 9, 188, 16 p. https://doi.org/10.3390/f9040188Mairota P., Manetti MC., Amorini E., Pelleri F., Terradura M., Frattegiani M., Savini P., Grohmann F., Mori P., Terzuolo P., Piussi P., 2016 - Opportunities for coppice management at the landscape level: the Italian experience. iForest 9: 775-782. https://doi.org/10.3832/ifor1865-009Mariotti B., Alberti G., Maltoni A., Tani A., Piussi P., 2017. Beech coppice conversion to high forest: results from a 31-year experiment in Eastern Pre-Alps. Annals of Forest Science 74: 44–47. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13595-017-0642-1Mason B., Kerr G., Pommerening A., Edwards C., Hale S., Ireland D., Moore R., 2003. Continuous cover forestry in British conifer forests. Forest Research Annual Report and Accounts, 53 p. Meyer P., Tabaku V., Von Lupke B., 2003. Structural characteristics of Albanian beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) virgin forests. Deductions for semi-natural forestry. Forstwissenschaftliches Centralblatt 122 (1): 47-58.Michealis K.A., 1907. Wie bringt Durchforsten die grőssere Stärke und Wertznahme des Holzes. Verlag von J. Neumann-Neudamm, 43 p.Mőller C.M., 1931. Starke Durchforstung in Dänisher Beleuchtung. Zeitschrift fűr das Forst und Jagdwesen: 369-393.Negro M., Vacchiano G., Berretti R., Chamberlain D.E., Palestrini C., Motta R., Rolandoegro A., 2014. Effects of forest management on ground beetle diversity in alpine beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) stands. Forest Ecology and Management 328: 300–309. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2014.05.049Neuman M., Starlinger P., 2001. The significance of different indices for stand structure and diversity in forest. Forest Ecology Management 145: 91-106. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0378-1127(00)00577-6Nocentini S., 2009. Structure and management of beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) forests in Italy. iForest 2: 105-113. https://doi.org/10.3832/ifor0499-002Nosenzo A., Boetto G., Berretti R., Travaglia P.M., 2012. Applicazione dell’indice di qualità su un campione di impianti di arboricoltura da legno del Piemonte. Sherwood, Foreste e Alberi Oggi 183: 21-25.Pelleri F., Sansone D., Bianchetto E., Bidini C., Sichi A., 2013. Selvicoltura d'albero in fustaie di faggio: valorizzazione delle specie sporadiche e coltivazione della specie dominante. Sherwood Foreste e Alberi Oggi 190: 43-47.Perin J., Claessens H., 2009. Considérations sur la désignation et le détourage en chênes et hêtres. Forêt Wallonne 98: 39-52.Perkey A.W., Wilkins B.L., Smith C., 1994. Crop Trees Management in Eastern Hardwood . USDA Forest Service , Morgantown, NA-TP-19-93, 57 p.Piussi P., Alberti G., 2015. Selvicoltura generale. Boschi, società e tecniche colturali. Compagnia delle Foreste, Arezzo, Italy, 432 p.Pommerening A., 2006. Evaluating structural indices by reversing forest structural analysis. Forest Ecology and Management 224: 266-277. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2005.12.039Pretzsch H., 2009. Forest dynamics growth and yield: From measurement to model. Berlin: Springer Verlag, 664 p.Sansone D., Bianchetto E., Bidini C., Ravagni S., Nitti D., Samola A., Pelleri F., 2012. Selvicoltura d'albero nei cedui giovani: interventi di valorizzazione delle specie sporadiche nell'ambito del Progetto LIFE+ PProSpoT. Sherwood, Foreste e Alberi Oggi 185: 5-10.Schädelin W., 1942. Die Auslesedurchforstung als Erziehungsbetrieb höchster Wertleistung, Bern, 1942.Schütz J.P., 1990. Sylviculture 1: principes d’éducation des forêts. Presses Polytechniques et Universitaires Romandes, 243 p.Schütz J.P., Saniga M., Diaci J., Vrška T., 2016. Comparing close-to-nature silviculture with processes in pristine forests: lessons from Central Europe. Annals of Forest Science 73: 911–921. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13595-016-0579-9.Shannon C. E., 1948. The mathematical theory of communication. University of Illinois Press, Urbana, IL, USA: 29-125.Spiecker H., 2006. Minority tree species: a challenge for a multi-purpose forestry. Diaci J. (Ed.), Nature-Based Forestry in Central Europe. Alternatives to Industrial Forestry and Strict Preservation, University of Ljubljana 126: 47-59.Svensson J.S., Jeglum J.K., 2001. Structure and dynamics of an undisturbed old-growth Norway spruce forest on the rising Bothnian coastline. Forest Ecology and Management 151: 67–79. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0378-1127(00)00697-6Tabacchi G., De Natale F., Di Cosmo L., Floris A., Gagliano G., Gasparini P., Salvadori I., Scrinzi G., Tosi V., 2007. IFNC Inventario Nazionale delle Foreste e dei Serbatoi Forestali di Carbonio. Seconda parte: le stime di superficie. MiPAF - Corpo Forestale dello Stato - Ispettorato Generale, CRA - ISAFA, Trento. URL: http://www.infc.itVon Teuffel K., Hein S., 2004. Sylviculture du Hêtre proche de la nature en Bade-Wurttemberg. Revue Forestière Française 56 (6): 519-528. https://doi.org/10.4267/2042/5118Wilhelm G.J,, 2003. Qualification-grossissement: la stratégie sylvicole de Rhénanie-Palatinat. RDV, Office National des Forêt 1: 4-9.Wilhelm G.J., Rieger H., 2017. Stratégie QD: une gestion de la forêt basée sur la qualité et les cycles naturels. CNPF et Forêt Wallonne asbl. Paris, p. 192. ISBN 978-2-916525-40-2Wolynski A., 2002a. Sul trattamento irregolare delle fustaie di faggio (parte prima). Sherwood, Foreste e Alberi Oggi 74: 9-14.Wolynski A., 2002b. Sul trattamento irregolare delle fustaie di faggio (parte seconda). Sherwood, Foreste e Alberi Oggi 75: 5-13.Wolynski A., Berretti R., Motta R., 2006. Selvicoltura multifunzionale orientata alla qualità. Caratterizzazione di una faggeta in provincia di Trento. Sherwood, Foreste e Alberi Oggi 118: 1-8.

Downloads

Published

2021-12-27

Issue

Section

Research article